Study shows Nillumbik’s $50m regional art gallery is feasible
A plan for a $50 million regional art gallery in Nillumbik was slammed as “too ambitious” when it was proposed three months ago. But a feasibility study has crunched the numbers and the controversial arts facility is expected to be feasible.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A controversial $50 million regional art gallery is expected to be feasibile, according to a Nillumbik Council study.
The “ambitious” idea came under fire when it was proposed at a council meeting in July – ratepayers questioned where the gallery would be built, while one councillor called the project’s high cost into question.
And the plan will again come before council tonight where councillors will vote on whether a master plan should be developed for the gallery.
The feasibility study suggested the gallery would be feasible providing it would be staffed by “qualified and sufficiently senior and experienced” staff.
It also recommended an ongoing commitment to funding for “high quality programming”.
The report said the council would be prepared to provide ongoing operational subsidies and would be prepared to invest in the capital development, while also investigating ways to attract external funding.
The gallery’s building costs are expected to be $50 million, while it will cost the council $3.8 million each year to operate.
MORE:
‘I WAS SCARED’: BOY IN HOSPITAL AFTER RANDOM DOG ATTACK
JUMPING CASTLE BUSINESS OWNER WANTED OVER ARSON
COMMUNITY PROTESTS POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF 900 ELTHAM TREES
The site would be about the same size as the Heidi Museum of Modern Art.
The council’s former offices in Eltham was the preferred space for the gallery, while the feasibility study also listed the following as potential locations:
- 3 Tulong St, Hurstbridge (Tulong Reserve)
- 34-38 Graysharps Rd, Hurstbridge
- 50/50A Challenger St, Diamond Creek
- 109-115 Yan Yean Rd, Plenty
- Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham
Cr Peter Clarke told the Leader the gallery would be a major drawcard for Nillumbik.
“It (the gallery) doesn’t need to just be about matters that surround painting – Nillumbik has had a rich history in cinema, film, in poetry, we’ve had a very rich history just in the nature of authors and books,” he said.
“How we’re able to tell that story and grow the tourism off the back of that will be an important opportunity for this shire.”